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Choo under scrutiny during first workout with Reds

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- After the full squad reported to camp on Friday, the Reds held an afternoon workout. No player came under as much scrutiny as new center fielder Shin-Soo Choo.

According to Rob Butcher, media relations director, 25 members of the South Korean media were issued credentials to cover Choo's first workout. There were numerous still and video cameras documenting his stretching, batting practice and other drills.

Choo, 30, was acquired in December's three-team trade with the Indians. After the workout, he and agent Scott Boras spoke to the Korean media inside an empty Minor League clubhouse at the Reds' complex.

Choo and Boras avoided arbitration on Monday by signing a one-year, $7.3 million contract.

"The Reds and Choo had very amicable contract negotiations," Boras said. "He was treated very fairly, and he's happy to be here."

It's widely believed that Choo will spend only one season in Cincinnati, because he can be a free agent next winter. The Reds are also grooming top prospect Billy Hamilton to be their leadoff hitter and center fielder in 2014. There were no efforts during the negotiations to get Choo signed to a multiyear deal.